DC is heading back to its fantasy world this July with Dark Knights of Steel II, a 12-issue sequel from Tom Taylor and artist Otto Schmidt that pushes the series into a new era of war, magic, and shifting alliances. Announced at NYCC last year, DC has not only unleashed new cover art to preuse but also preview pages!
The first series set the stage with a world shaped by prophecy, power, and fear, where the arrival of the House of El sparked conflict across multiple kingdoms. That story eventually revealed a hidden enemy manipulating events from the shadows, forcing former rivals to unite. Now, that uneasy peace is starting to crack, and the fallout looks even more dangerous this time around.
“I was raised on comic books and fantasy novels,” shared Taylor. “From as early as I can remember, my mind has been filled with universes of great heroes standing against corrupting evil and injustice. From the Discworld to the DCU, I have been thrilled by the epics and heroism of J.R.R. Tolkien and Mark Waid, by the humor and heart of Gail Simone, Joe Kelly, and Terry Pratchett, by the jaw-dropping character arcs of Garth Ennis and Robin Hobb.
As the next chapter begins, a new threat is rising from beneath the ocean, one that could upend everything the alliance fought to build. At the same time, danger is coming from within, as a traitor hidden among them prepares to strike. Between the external threat and internal fractures, Dark Knights of Steel II is setting up a larger, more volatile conflict that looks ready to reshape this world all over again.
The returning creative team, including colorist Arif Prianto and letterer Wes Abbott, is expanding the series’ scope while keeping its mix of fantasy and DC characters front and center.
“So I am beyond excited to return to our fusion of fantasy and superheroes with Otto Schmidt, Arif Prianto, Wes Abbott, Matthew Levine, and Andrea Shea,” continued Taylor. “Dark Knights of Steel II is a twisted tale of power and betrayal, of war and love, of heroes fighting would-be tyrants, and of good people coming together to stand against evil, expansionist empires.
“Forging two of my favorite things together with heat vision and an anvil is my absolute happy place,” said Taylor. “I’m sorry in advance for all the terrible things that happen.”
Dark Knights of Steel II #1 hits July 15, 2026, kicking off what looks like the most dangerous chapter in the saga yet.
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